This article reveals how smoking can affect blood pressure. According to one study, smoking can decrease blood pressure. This is because smoking can cause anorexia, thereby the smoker eats less, leading to loss of weight, which decreases blood pressure.
Smoking Can Aggravate High Blood Pressure
But, smoking can also aggravate high blood pressure. This occurs because smoking can hurt the walls of blood vessels and can hasten the hardening of arteries. Therefore, smoking is bad for people suffering from high blood pressure. Besides, nicotine in tobacco products such as cigarettes constricts blood vessels, making the heart beat faster. This temporarily increases the blood pressure. Quitting smoking can reduce blood pressure, and the risk of heart attack and heart disease.
Nicotine Raises Blood Pressure
Intake of tobacco raises nicotine level in the blood. The greater the nicotine level, the higher the blood pressure. The side effects of this situation are rise in brain attacks and leg pain due to bad circulation. High blood pressure has many medical consequences. Besides, smoking can also lead to lung and mouth cancer.
Research Reveals Tobacco Raises Blood Pressure
Numerous research studies reveal that tobacco use increases blood pressure. When one stops using tobacco products, blood pressure decreases. In a research study conducted in France, current smokers reported the highest incidence of high blood pressure. Ex-smokers reported a lower incidence, while non-smokers revealed the lowest incidence of high blood pressure.
How Does Smoking Affect Blood Pressure
Smoking impacts blood pressure due to the following reasons:
- Smoking can cause plaque build-up, that blocks the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart.
- Smokers inhale carbon monoxide, which decreases oxygen supply to the brain, heart and other major organs.
- Smoking can damage the linings of blood vessels.
- Smoking increases catecholamine, aldosterone and cortisol levels, which can indirectly elevate blood pressure.
- Each time you smoke a cigarette, your blood pressure rises acutely. Besides, research reveals that smoking can affect your metabolism.
